The impending closure will begin in mid-May, leaving hundreds of local employees concerned about their future and the community’s economic stability.
Close to 300 people will lose their jobs in the coming months when food and beverage giant PepsiCo permanently shuts down its Liberty facility, a plant that has produced PopCorners snacks and served the region for almost 30 years. The layoffs are scheduled to occur over 14 days starting May 21, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filed with the state Department of Labor.
Why the food manufacturing plant closure in Liberty is causing local concern?
The Liberty plant has been part of the local fabric since 1997, originally operating under Ideal Snacks. Many longtime workers recall how it expanded in 2003, but recent growth issues in the snack industry have prompted PepsiCo to streamline operations. In fact, a month before the previous owners sold the factory to BFY, Inc., 200 employees were laid off, leading to a lawsuit from affected workers. Now, PepsiCo’s recent decision to eliminate jobs has reignited anxieties among families who depended on this facility for stable employment.
Wondering how this will affect overall job prospects in the area? According to a December report from the state Department of Labor, Sullivan County has experienced strong private-sector growth, yet 14.8 % of its population still lives in poverty. This discrepancy highlights just how deeply any significant layoff can impact the community.
Steps community leaders plan to take following PepsiCo’s major layoff decision?
Local officials, including Sullivan County Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz, town of Liberty Supervisor Frank DeMayo, and village of Liberty Mayor Joan Stoddard, expressed concern over PepsiCo’s closure and the broader financial toll it may take on the region. They have pledged to collaborate with PepsiCo, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development to guide displaced workers toward new opportunities.
Here is a brief list of community support measures:
- Counseling services for affected families
- Job placement assistance at the Center for Workforce Development
- Partnerships with nearby businesses to open additional positions
Officials are hopeful that these collective efforts will provide a soft landing for impacted workers and help maintain the local economy. Have you ever wondered how such transitions are usually coordinated? The collaboration between local government, non-profits, and private sector leaders is key.
PepsiCo layoff timeline
| Date Range | Estimated Layoffs |
|---|---|
| May 21 – Early June | 287 positions |
| Remainder of 2024 | Potential 13 more |
In a statement, PepsiCo acknowledged the dedication of Liberty employees and pledged to work closely with them and local authorities throughout the transition. Nevertheless, many workers are left uncertain about their next steps, as they grapple with the sudden loss of a longtime employer.
Community representatives remain optimistic that innovative initiatives, combined with ongoing county-wide growth, will help bring about fresh job opportunities. While these layoffs are a substantial setback, local leaders emphasize that resilience and unity can steer Liberty toward a more stable future.